Heal Endo: An Anti-Inflammatory Approach to Healing From Endometriosis

by Katie Edmonds

Getting an endometriosis diagnosis shouldn’t feel like a life sentence. Because endo is an inflammatory disease, your diet, lifestyle, and treatment choices will impact how your disease behaves, whether through improving your symptoms, reclaiming your fertility or through the stunning possibility of disease remission. Heal Endo puts the power back in your hands to reclaim your life from endometriosis. Based on hundreds of published scientific studies, this handbook clearly lays out the personal actions that can help put you back in control, starting today.

After reading Heal Endo, you will

What endometriosis really is, and how it develops.

That there are different types of endo that affect our bodies differently.

The specific anti-inflammatory food and lifestyle factors proven to help.

How bacteria is the secret endo-trigger few people are talking about, and how to address it.

The role hormones play, and simple ways to support healthy levels.

Which chemicals are associated with endometriosis, and how to avoid them.

"Why surgery is an important tool, and why the type of surgery matters greatly.

While a “cure” may not (yet) be available, remission is the option you should aim for.

Genres: Health, Nonfiction, Unfinished, Self Help

443 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 10, 2022

Reviews

[Hannah Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book changed my whole perspective about what endometriosis is. I cried when I finished it. Partly because I know it’s a long road to healing but also because this is the most hope I have felt since being diagnosed with endometriosis. I am so grateful Katie wrote this book!

[Miranda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing.

I was diagnosed with stage four endometriosis in November by excision surgery. I thought this diagnosis would mean changing my entire life. Fortunately this book helped me realise that gradual change and better habits are all I need to implement to improve my quality of life.
Living with this chronic illness is not walk in the park but I do feel hopeful that there are ways to make the journey easier.

Supplements, exercise, lifestyle and daily habits are some things I will be changing in an attempt to improve my health. Fortunately my diet and exposure to toxins is already well suited my my condition but I can definitely make vast improvements to my exercise, lifestyle and daily habits.
I’m feeling so much more positive after reading this book.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Women need to know about this book. Whether you have painful periods or know someone who does, consider the possibility that you (or they) have endometriosis. Many people will cross this off the list of possibilities for themselves (myself included!) if they don’t fit every symptom on the list after a quick google search… and many practitioners will also cross it off for this reason too! If you have painful periods, don’t settle for a “this is how it is” and/or “periods just suck” mentality. If your period is horrible, it’s trying to tell you something about your health! Listen! (see other resources on how to below)

After almost 10 years of painful periods, I have so much hope for healing. I am so grateful to Katie Edmonds for writing this book (and I’m grateful to all the other women working so hard in this health space to both uncover answers and make them accessible to the public). I’m just beginning to implement the methods detailed so well in this book so I don’t have any results to report yet, but this book FINALLY explains what endometriosis really is. No, it’s not just a period issue.

You can find good sources on endo elsewhere it’s true, but thus far in my research this is by far the best. No one has scratched the surface and Katie dives deep into endo and explains it so clearly! This book also explained nutrition in the clearest most thorough way I’ve ever been taught about it; blood sugar regulation finally made complete sense to me as she explained it, not giving a few pieces to the puzzle but the whole process and how food effects your whole body.

This book also opened my eyes to how so many people I know may have endo without demonstrating the classic signs, which is a huge reason why I think all women should know about this resource, so the word can get out to who needs it and “periods chats” with our friends can lead to real answers faster. It affects 1 in 10 women and it takes an average of 7-12 years in the US to get a diagnosis. This needs to improve!

Katie details all of your options when trying to tackle endo: nutrition, supplementation, lifestyle, toxins, and surgery. She doesn’t give you a one-way method to healing because she deeply knows how complex this issue is. She also gives all her recommendations with great awareness of different financial and geographic limitations and gives advice on how to prioritize health when the more expensive labels are just not possible for you. Overall, I felt very respected while reading this book—there was no fluff, just hard research—and I think anyone who reads it will feel the same.

Other great sources for investigating your menstrual (and really overall) health:

Fertility Friday podcast- GOLD, she bases everything on research and isn’t wasting your time with anecdotal advice in the form of hard answers. She is a research NERD and has top health professionals on her show which now has over 500 episodes.

The Fifth Vital Sign- Lisa Hendrickson-Jack (same lady from the above podcast) this book goes in depth on period health and why it’s important. It will make you love your body!

Real Food for Fertility (book) Fertility it a sign of health, so this book is applicable to anyone, regardless if you’re looking to conceive.

Nourishing Traditions By Sally Fallon (great cookbook with meaty introduction on health!!)

[Yolyyy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gave me so much hope to self heal my endo and hopefully be completely pain free! It was very well written with a lot of cited information and approaches to self healing. As well as how important it is to find a Doctor who encourages a more holistic, non invasive approach to heal.

[sofia🩷🌷🦩 · Rating 5 out of 5]

YUPPPP just had excision surgery after being diagnosed shortly after getting this book. truly can’t wait to change my little lifestyle to help prevent it ever coming back🩷🩷

[Alaura · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thorough and accessible exploration of contemporary research into women's health and endometriosis.
Highly recommend.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book actually helped me gain a much better understanding of endometriosis. It has also given me hope that there are some lifestyle changes that may help with the ongoing pain. It was encouraging to read other stories of people who have had a similar experience to me and have been able to reduce the reliance on pain killers and help to “heal endo”.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great introductory book. If you've already been searching for years about how to heal yourself because you don't have a diagnosis 😅 then this might just be a refresher for you.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book changed my life.

[Nadeen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Informative and uplifting! I’ll definitely be revisiting

[Allie Amick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has helped me IMMENSELY! I am so thankful for how easy it was to read and how many practical tips were given. I got her cookbook too and have been following that for 4 weeks. It is healing my body! So thankful!

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

so much helpful information.

[Elz Heuv-Ha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing, need to read it again.

[Kaysie Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this book when it first came out and read it cover to cover. I thought it was really interesting and helpful and implemented many of the lifestyle changes. Fast forward to now and after getting really relaxed with my diet and lifestyle and telling myself most of my gastro symptoms are not Endo related, new food intolerances and symptoms have been popping up all over. I find myself coming back to this book again and thinking "oh yeah Katie warned me about that". Her research is on the money and this is one of the most comprehensive books I've ever read about managing this disease.

[Iva Mitkova · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just cannot thank Katie enough for this book and the whole journey reading it. With Endo being such a complex and unexplored diagnosis, I found the information in this book so well-written, looking at the Endometriosis on so many levels, from the roots to the silver linings, providing us with holistic approach to a whole new, healthy lifestyle.

In my opinion, Katie managed to gather a VAST amount of information, digest it and put in on a beautiful plate for us to have. So many helpful tips, examples and advices.

Last but not least, this book is full of hope! It pushes you to find your silver lining, to listen to your body and choose what works for you, without any pressure. It gives you a sense of community and safety, where you know that you are not alone!

10/10

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish this book and the knowledge within it existed 20 years ago when I was first diagnosed with stage 4 endometriosis and adenomyosis. Even with all my experience with the disease, I still learned some new things from this book. This is a must read for everyone afflicted with endo as well as for everyone who treats endo patients.

I'm holding off a star, because it does leave me somewhat conflicted. I've been following this natural protocol with different adherence throughout my diagnosis and I've never been put into "remission" or even really helped significantly from it. Maybe I'd be even worse off than I am if I hadn't done these things though.

I couldn't really get away from the fact that the author has stage 2 endo, which seems like it would be a lot easier to fix than my nightmare situation. Her methods involve a lot of work and deprivation to then have it hardly be effective. While I think all the suggestions in this book are valuable and important in leading a healthy life, I just don't think they're going to make much difference in mine.

Another complaint I had is that almost all the real life testimonies included "and then I got pregnant". I don't need this book to make me feel like it's my fault I couldn't sustain a pregnancy. How about at least one story of where "pregnancy didn't work for me, but I'm still fine and managing my pain"?

Still, with the little information we have on this disease, I found this book incredibly knowledgable and up to date. The resources in the back of the book are also extremely helpful. Making my husband read it next.

[Amy :) · Rating 4 out of 5]

An abundance of holistic ideology with a science lead perspective. Written by Edmonds, who suffers first hand with endometriosis, case studies combined with theory demonstrate the importance of full body health to live with a life changing, chronic pain. Accessibility wise, it contains clear diagram and language that is diverse and you can customise it to apply to any restrictions you may encounter (ie. diet, budget, mobility). Methods such as retraining how your core engages with the rest of your body and maintaining a physical regiment with healthy habits. Ecology within the body and approaching the condition with food science and physical/external tiggers opposed to the tired suggestions of physicians I’ve trekked through before.

Although the case studies did sound almost quite commercial at points, trying to sell a lifestyle change (at first glance very testimonial), they provide the reader with perspectives on how to manage post-op.

This is a fabulous book for anyone who is wanting to further their lexicon on endometriosis. There are definitely some lifestyle changes I'd love to test in my own journey. Well researched and written, some practical visual resources that I've annotated and will be revisiting!

[Paige · Rating 5 out of 5]

Admittedly, I was skeptical because of the title. I have never truly believed endo could be “healed.” I am however glad that I bought this book and gave it a read. This is probably the best explanation of how this godforsaken disease actually works, and what all science *actually* knows about it and managing it. It also does a good job at addressing the reality of living with this disease and not being white, cis-gendered, and wealthy. It was a pleasant contrast to “Beating Endo” in which the authors, [despite being American,] seem to forget the realities of many people plagued with this disease sent from hell, and the cost of living with this disease, especially in America. (Yes I am out here dragging another book in my review for this book.)

I’m grateful to have read it prior to my excision surgery, as I’d like to make some changes noted in here to hopefully keep the disease in remission.

This is a book on endo and inflammation that I would actually recommend. Even for folks who don’t have endo, because it is by far one of the most comprehensive, yet approachable explanations to the disease. It is certainly more accurate than me saying that I’m having an “endo exorcism because the disease comes from hell.” I do however still stand by that.

[Caroline Kelly]

Not going to rate this since it was informational. Felt like I learned a lot about nutrition for endo. Helped me rethink what I’m putting into my body. I already eat really clean and follow an anti-inflammatory diet but it was helpful to make easy switches like buying chicken thighs for extra iron and protein rather than chicken breasts (etc.). I felt very empowered after finishing because I felt like I could actually do something to help my endo. I also really liked that she never made it feel like I HAD to do anything. She just was realistic and also emphasized that every person is different but just gave suggestions and research based information. She also emphasized the importance of getting a surgery by a specialist which is SO important and I loved how much she advocated for this. She reiterated the importance of doing this FIRST before anything else which was both reaffirming but also refreshing to hear since I had just gotten a 8 hour long endo surgery done 2 weeks prior to starting this book.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has acted like sunshine after what feels like a lifetime of clouds. Having recently had my second surgery for endometriosis and my doctor suggested that I might only get a couple of years of respite, I knew I needed to look for something holistic and long term. I stumbled across this book as a suggested purchase when buying a food, pain and period tracker and I'm so glad I did!

The way that Katie has delved into the science of endometriosis and the description of endometriosis as a systemic inflammatory disease which can be pushed into *remission* has genuinely changed my outlook. It no longer feels like a life sentence and I'm excited to get to work in changing my lifestyle to better my health.

I cried reading the preface when she said 'it shouldn't lead a 23-year-old to thinking her life is totally over' and I can say wholeheartedly that this 23-year-old feels seen and empowered and hopeful that life is just starting.

[Raluca · Rating 5 out of 5]

In my opinion reading this book is worth it. And I would recommend this even to the women that don't have Endometriosis because it gives you another perspective on health.
The author seems to have researched everything really well because she uses published research (of course, you can always say there is a research paper backing up your thesis) and she explains everything in a way that is easy to understand. If you would Google everything yourself you would need weeks, if not months, to put everything together and even then something would probably be missing or it's false.
What I also liked were the stories of different women going through this and what they changed and how it worked for them, or why something didn't work and what was actually the cause.
This book didn't just give me another perspective but also hope, which I desperately needed.

[Crimson · Rating 4 out of 5]

109/100
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Firstly, the digital version of this book needs to be reformatted. On both phone and kindle, the graphs and photos were either cut off or overlapping the text itself at some points, making it impossible to read these parts.

That out of the way, I think this was a refreshing take on a disease that is very common AND very commonly misinterpreted. There is so much conflicting and misinformation out there, as well as doctors who don't know how to properly treat this condition. As someone with suspected endo, I found this book incredibly helpful to find holistic ways to manage it along with my medical treatment. I do appreciate that this wasn't one of those "don't seek medical help just go holistic" books. Most people need both in order to manage certain conditions.

[Kellyjane K · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book truly is inspiring and encouraging. After my surgery a couple of weeks back and getting my official diagnosis of Endometriosis, I felt lost and confused. I didn’t know where to look, where to begin, or how I could even manage living with this disease. I read this book in 4 days! I feel hopeful that I too can heal and love a normal life. Kate does an amazing job explaining the science & research of endometriosis while also encouraging her readers to keep fighting and find the silver lining. I came out of reading this book empowered and with much more knowledge on the disease. I’m looking forward to implementing her suggestions and tips for healing endo with a different approach.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I’ve read pieces of this before but finally finished the whole book. I’m a Pelvic Health PT who works with patients of MANY diagnosis of persistent pain and frequently have patients with Endometriosis. Honestly I would recommend this book for any person with stubborn health conditions. Katie’s systemic approach to treating would be helpful for the population as a whole, but particularly those with endometriosis due to her clear but extensive explanations of all aspects of the diagnosis, healing, and care. Recommend to all of my patients with endo. Thanks for writing this!!

[NM · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just can say: please read this book. If you have endometriosis, if you suspect you have it, if someone you love has it...

This book is so comprehensive and well researched, it will help you understand.
The author expresses in such a non-blaming way and brings forward so many cases that it will help you cope.
Most importantly: it gives so many actionable insights it will empower you on your day-to-day and in face of healthcare professionals.

I am thankful for this resource and everything in it 🙏

[Emma Berry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally - answers, insights and a scientific explanation to what is happening to my body. Katie explains the pathogenesis in super simple terms with added details where needed but also the guidance around diet and movement is so useful!

Definitely a must read for anyone new to an endometriosis diagnosis and unsure what to do next / how to get their health back on track.

The most important message: this isn't a uterine condition, this is systemic inflammation and gut dysbiosis.

[Kalli Hanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who recently had their first surgery & confirmation of diagnosis, this book was the perfect resource to turn to. The chapters are digestible & the more scientific and/or medical based conversations are laid out in a way that makes it easy to understand. There is a plethora of advice and suggestions within this book to help improve your lifestyle living with endo. I highly recommend to anyone suffering & needing guidance! I already know I will refer back to this book again & again.

[Anna Swartout · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone needs to know about this book! With limited research about endometriosis, I am so happy that I recommended this book as it was very comprehensive, not overwhelming, and felt very balanced as everyone’s endometriosis experience is so different. The strategies are very reasonable and I’m thankful that I have all of this information to depend on. To anyone who has endo- you’re not alone. You’ll feel heard, empowered and supported through this book!

[Fallon Paige · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an excellent book for any Endo suffers or if you want to know more about the disease. It’s terrifically written and answers so many questions with clarity and provides steps forward.

Although not Australian based, it has a clear research backing, evidence of this is in the 321 papers the author used to create the book.

Will definitely be a book that I come back to again and again.

[Alice MacDonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got a lot of really helpful information out of this book. I will definitely be referring back to it and would reccomend it to anyone struggling from endo. There were sections less relevant to me that I skipped over but everyone's journey is separate so it was good to pick and choose the chapters that helped me the most.